Your elevator pitch is your personal introduction to a company representative at job fair or other networking events. It should be a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what you or your organization does. It should be concise and compelling, typically lasting about 30 seconds to 1 minute, the duration of an elevator ride. Instead of trying to think of a compelling introduction in the moment, your elevator pitch prepares what you will say in advance.

Transferrable Skills are those that you can take with you from one job to the next. You can take a specific skill that you have learned and broaden it to encompass other skills.

For example, learning how to conduct interviews can encompass skills like communication, organization, adaptability, decision-making, empathy, and so on. These broader skills are ones that you can take with you to each job you will work at. 

F-1 students are allowed to work with a special work authorization, which requires an application to the school and/or to the government's United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students apply for these work authorizations, not the employer.

Most students are under this work authorization.

"Students in J-1 status may accept employment under certain circumstances. In all cases, your J-1 program sponsor must authorize your employment. If you are uncertain about your J-1 program sponsor, refer to Item 2 on your DS-2019; your J-1 program sponsor is listed there. This web page is provided for informational purposes, and it is intended for students sponsored by Texas Tech University. If you have questions or would like to determine your eligibility for J-1 employment, please contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). If you are sponsored by an outside agency, please consult with your program officer regarding employment eligibility." (International Affairs Office)

• • For more information about J-1 employment, please visit the US and Texas Tech Employment Rules for J-1 Students.

H-1B visas are granted to foreign nationals who will work in “specialty occupations.” A specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge to fully perform the required duties. The H-1B application is employer based, and requires the employer's sponsorship to apply for the H1B status.

CPT (curricular practical training) is for F-1 students taking an internship course/ class that requires students to work off campus. International students need authorization for this; and you must complete two semesters before you are qualified for authorization. Employment must fulfill a requirement of the student's degree program.

OPT (optional practical training) is a type of F-1 off-campus work authorization for students who have completed their degree program and wish to gain experience in jobs directly related to their major or area of study.

For more information about CPT and OPT, please visit our handout for Visa Education and Requirements- Working in the US, or talk to your international student counselor. 

Full-time positions- In the United States, full-time positions are those that require at least 40+ work hours a week. 

Graduate work can be thought of as the work it takes to obtain your graduate degree. 

"Graduate work refers to the advanced level of study and research pursued by individuals who have already obtained a bachelor's degree. It encompasses a wide range of academic activities, including coursework, research projects, and internships, depending on the specific field of study. Graduate work is undertaken with the aim of further developing one's knowledge and skills in a particular subject area, often leading to a graduate degree."

Understanding the Contrast: Postgraduate Study vs Postgraduate Credential (stepofweb.com)

Internships are structured work experiences typically related to a student's major or career goal. Internships can be paid or unpaid and are typically temporary, lasting a few months to a year, providing practical experience and exposure to a particular field.

"A nonprofit organization is an entity that is created and operated for charitable or socially beneficial purposes rather than to make a profit. A nonprofit might serve religious, scientific, charitable, educational, literary, health, or animal welfare purposes."

Nonprofit Organization (NPO): Definition and Example (investopedia.com)

In the United States, part-time positions are those that do not exceed 40 work hours a week.

"Volunteer work" is similar to "community service" in most countries. You volunteer your time and skills to a community project or cause, for free. You can use this on your resume as experience to supplement or replace gaps in your work experience section.

Please note, most local volunteer work in Lubbock requires physical labor, like putting together food boxes for the Food Bank, or cleaning up public areas. There are less physical options, but they are harder to find and obtain. If you need help finding suitable volunteer experience, please make an appointment with a career development specialist through Raider Success Hub. 

A fellowship is a merit-based scholarship or grant usually given to support the education, research, or professional development of students and professionals. Fellowships are typically awarded for advanced study or research in a particular field.

***International students are not eligible for FAFSA. 

FAFSA (Free application for Federal Student Aid)- the federal government's application to determine financial aid eligibility for most types of financial aid. 

Apply for Aid | Financial Aid Home | TTU

A grant is a financial award given by an organization (such as a government agency, corporation, or foundation) to fund a specific project or initiative. Grants do not need to be repaid and are often used to support research, education, or community development.

A scholarship is financial aid awarded to students based on various criteria such as academic merit, financial need, leadership, or other achievements. Scholarships do not have to be repaid and are intended to support a student's education.

The Federal Work-Study program is funded by the federal government and provides financial support for domestic students' out-of-pocket expenses while enrolled at least half-time, allowing them to earn money for college while gaining valuable work experience.

• Eligibility & Requirements
  • Be a US citizen or Eligible Non-Resident
  • Be enrolled half-time
  • Complete and submit a FAFSA with interest in work-study selected
  • Recieve and accept the financial aid offer on Raiderlink
  • Accept the offered work-study funds on Raiderlink
• Domestic students will automatically receive a work-study offer in Raiderlink as part of their financial aid package if they have fulfilled the above requirements. If it's not listed, but you are interested in a work-study position, email student.employment@ttu.edu for verification of eligibility. You'll then need to apply and be hired for a position to earn the funding.

Employment | Financial Aid Home | TTU

Campus Employment:

• Definition: Campus employment refers to jobs specifically located on the university campus.
• Types of Jobs: These positions can include work in various university departments, administrative offices, libraries, dining services, student centers, and other campus facilities.
• Characteristics: Campus jobs are often geared towards providing students with convenient work opportunities that fit around their academic schedules.
• Benefits: Working on campus can offer benefits such as proximity to classes, flexible scheduling, and opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and other students.

Student Employment:

• Definition: Student employment encompasses a broader range of job opportunities that may extend beyond the campus setting.
• Types of Jobs: These positions can include internships, part-time jobs in local businesses, off-campus research positions, or jobs related to a student's academic field of study.
• Characteristics: Student employment may involve opportunities that provide professional experience related to a student's career interests or academic major.
• Benefits: These jobs can contribute to a student's overall professional development, provide networking opportunities, and enhance their resume with relevant experience.

Key Differences:

• Location: Campus employment specifically refers to jobs located within the boundaries of Texas Tech University, whereas student employment encompasses a wider range of job opportunities that may include both on-campus and off-campus positions.
• Scope of Opportunities: Campus employment typically includes a variety of roles within the university infrastructure, while student employment encompasses a broader spectrum of job types that can include internships, research positions, or jobs in the local community.
• Focus: Campus employment often emphasizes convenience and support for students within the university environment, while student employment focuses on providing diverse professional experiences that align with a student's career goals and interests.

ChatGPT

Curriculum Vitae:

• Core Identity: Present a scholarly identity. Curriculum vitae include a summary of education and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, awards, presentations, honors, affiliations, and conference attendance and presentations.
• Length: Appropriate page length may be two to four pages (can be many pages for senior scholars/researches).
• When used: Used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific, or research positions. Also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.
• Content: List everything related to your accomplishments in academia: educational and academic interests as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations, and other details.

Resume:

• Core Identity: Present a professional identity. A resume is a summary of skills, experience, and education relevant to the career goal.
• Length: One page to apply. Two pages for extensive years of experience or as a leave-behind at the interview.
• When used: Used as an application to target specific jobs, internships, or part-time opportunities.
• Content: List information that is relevant to your qualifications for the position: education, experience, and skills. The goal of a resume is to get an interview.

CURRICULUM VITAE versus Resume.pdf

Postdoctoral Work:

• Definition: A postdoctoral position (often abbreviated as postdoc) is a temporary research position held by individuals who have recently completed their doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent).
• Role: Postdocs typically engage in advanced research under the supervision of a faculty mentor or principal investigator.
• Purpose: The primary goal is to further develop research skills, publish scholarly papers, and prepare for a career in academia or industry.
• Funding: Postdocs may be funded through research grants secured by faculty members or departments.

Fellowship:

• Definition: A fellowship refers to a financial award or grant provided to support a scholar or researcher for a specific period, often to conduct research, pursue advanced study, or complete a project.
• Role: Fellows can be at various career stages, from graduate students to faculty members or independent researchers.
• Purpose: Fellowships provide financial support to enable recipients to focus on their scholarly or research pursuits without the teaching or administrative responsibilities of a faculty position.
• Types: Fellowships can be internal (offered by the university or specific departments) or external (offered by government agencies, foundations, or private organizations).

Key Differences:

• Nature of Work: Postdocs primarily engage in research activities, often within a specific project or under a faculty mentor, whereas fellows may focus on research, study, or project completion depending on the fellowship's purpose.
• Funding Source: Postdocs are typically funded through research grants obtained by faculty members or departments, while fellowships can be funded through various sources, including internal university funds or external grants and foundations.
• Duration and Scope: Postdoctoral positions have a defined term (often 1-3 years), whereas fellowships can vary in duration and may be shorter or longer depending on the specific award.

Texas Tech University Specifics:

• For precise details regarding postdoctoral opportunities or fellowship programs at Texas Tech University, you would typically refer to the university's official websites, specific departmental information, or contact the Graduate School, Office of Research & Innovation, or individual academic departments.
  Understanding these distinctions can help individuals navigate their career paths and research opportunities within academic settings like Texas Tech University.

ChatGPT

"Career Counselor" and "Career Development Specialist" are used interchangeably at Texas Tech. All of Tech's career development specialists are trained to help you with anything job or career related. From figuring out what you can do with your major, to negotiating your salary at your last interview, our specialists have you covered every step of the way. Log on to Raider Success Hub to make an appointment.

A letter of intent, a personal statement, and a cover letter serve different purposes in various contexts such as job applications, academic admissions, or business negotiations. Here's a breakdown of their differences:

• Purpose: Typically used in business or academic contexts.
• Content: States the intention of one party to another. For example, in business, it might express interest in entering into a partnership or acquiring a company. In academics, it could indicate interest in a program or research collaboration.
• Key Elements: Clearly outlines what is being sought or offered, including terms, conditions, and expectations.

• Purpose: Commonly used in academic and some job application settings.
• Content: Focuses on the applicant's personal background, motivations, experiences, and qualifications.
• Key Elements: Provides a narrative that showcases the applicant's personality, achievements, and career goals. It often explains why the applicant is a good fit for a particular program or position.

• Purpose: Mainly used in job applications, but also in some academic and business settings.
• Content: Introduces the applicant to the prospective employer or institution, explains the reasons for applying, and highlights key qualifications and experiences relevant to the position.
• Key Elements: Concisely presents how the applicant's skills and experiences align with the requirements of the job or program. It's tailored to a specific job opening or program.

• Purpose: LOI states intention (e.g., business partnership, academic interest), personal statement discusses personal background and motivations, while a cover letter is specific to a job application.
• Content: LOI focuses on intentions and terms, personal statement on personal background and goals, and cover letter on qualifications and fit for a specific role.
• Context: LOI is often used in business negotiations, personal statement in academic admissions, and cover letter in job applications.

Each document serves a distinct purpose and should be crafted accordingly to effectively convey the appropriate information and intentions.

Chat GPT

At Texas Tech University, the terms "graduate" and "postgraduate" generally align with their standard meanings in higher education, although the specific terminology and usage may vary slightly depending on regional conventions. Here's how they are typically understood:

Graduate:

• Definition: A graduate student at Texas Tech University is someone who has completed a bachelor's degree and is enrolled in a program of study beyond the undergraduate level.
• Level: This includes students pursuing master's degrees (e.g., MA, MS, MBA, MFA) or doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Ed.D., DNP) in various academic disciplines.
• Examples: Graduate students engage in coursework, research, and advanced study under the supervision of faculty members.

Postgraduate:

• Definition: While "postgraduate" is more commonly used in British English to encompass study beyond the first degree, at Texas Tech University, the term "postgraduate" is often synonymous with "graduate" and refers to students pursuing advanced degrees after completing a bachelor's.
• Usage: The term "postgraduate" may not be as widely used in American English within the university context, where "graduate" is the more common term for students in master's and doctoral programs.

Key Points:

• Academic Programs: Both graduate and postgraduate students at Texas Tech University participate in advanced academic programs leading to higher-level degrees.
• Research and Study: They are involved in research, coursework, and professional development related to their chosen fields of study.
• Career Pathways: Graduates and postgraduates from Texas Tech University go on to pursue careers in academia, industry, government, and various professional fields based on their advanced training and expertise.

ChatGPT

At Texas Tech University (and generally in academia), the roles of teaching assistants (TAs) and research assistants (RAs) can vary in terms of their primary responsibilities and objectives:

Graduate Part-Time Instructor:

• Role: This role typically involves teaching undergraduate courses or labs at the university level.
• Responsibilities: As an instructor, the graduate student is responsible for delivering lectures, conducting class sessions, grading assignments and exams, and possibly holding office hours to assist students.
• Focus: The primary focus is on teaching and guiding students through the course material.

Teaching Assistant (TA):

• Role: TAs support professors and instructors in various capacities within academic courses.
• Responsibilities: Responsibilities can include grading assignments, leading discussion sections or lab sessions, holding review sessions, assisting with course material preparation, and sometimes delivering lectures or guest lectures.
• Focus: TAs primarily assist in the educational process, focusing on supporting students and helping to deliver the course content effectively.

Research Assistant (RA):

• Role: RAs are involved in research projects under the supervision of faculty members or principal investigators.
• Responsibilities: RAs conduct research activities such as literature reviews, data collection and analysis, experimental work, writing research papers, preparing presentations, and contributing to research proposals.
• Focus: The primary focus of RAs is on contributing to the advancement of knowledge through research, often in a specific academic discipline or field of study.

Key Differences:

Focus:

• Instructor: Focuses on teaching and educating students in specific courses.
• Teaching Assistant: Focuses on supporting course instructors and helping with the educational process.
• Research Assistant: Focuses on conducting research activities and contributing to academic or scientific research projects.

Responsibilities:

• Instructor: Responsible for delivering course content, grading, and student interaction in a teaching role.
• Teaching Assistant: Assists instructors with grading, student support, and sometimes teaching-related tasks.
• Research Assistant: Engages in research activities such as data collection, analysis, and scholarly output under the guidance of a faculty member.

Career Development:

• Each role provides valuable experience and skills relevant to academic and research careers but with differing emphases on teaching versus research.

These distinctions are crucial for graduate students considering these roles, as they offer different opportunities for skill development, career preparation, and contribution to the academic community.

ChatGPT

All on-campus jobs for students are part-time. However, on our platform, Hire Red Raiders (HRR), part-time campus jobs and on-campus jobs are different. 

"Part-time on-campus jobs" on HRR are jobs specifically for students while "Campus Employment" includes all part-time jobs on campus and can be filled by non-students, like alumni.

The term "community service" has a negative connotation in the US. It is typically associated with the penial system as it is often a punishment for a crime. Instead, you should title this section of your resume "Volunteer Work." If you title this section "Community Service," it is unlikely that the recruiter will think you are highlighting criminal punishment. However, please keep in mind that there is still an unconscious bias around this term and it is best to call it "Volunteer Work."

CPT (curricular practical training) is for F-1 students taking an internship course/ class that requires students to work off campus. International students need authorization for this; and you must complete two semesters before you are qualified for authorization. Employment must fulfill a requirement of the student's degree program.

OPT (optional practical training) is a type of F-1 off-campus work authorization for students who have completed their degree program and wish to gain experience in jobs directly related to their major or area of study.

• For more information about CPT and OPT, please visit our handout for Visa Education and Requirements- Working in the US, or talk to your international student counselor. 

OCI (on-campus interviews) are interviews that take place on Texas Tech campus. They do not have to be positions for a campus job, but they can be.

• For example, Dell could reserve interview rooms to conduct on-campus interviews (OCIs) even if they are looking to fill roles in Seattle. Texas Tech's Hospitality department could also reserve rooms for OCI's if they need to fill positions on campus. It is up to the employer to decide if they would like to conduct OCI's. 
• To review or apply to the upcoming OCI's please visit Hire Red Raiders. 

RSH (Raider Success Hub) is an online platform that will guide your educational experience toward success by removing limits to when, where and how you are able to connect with your academic Success Team. You will be able to connect with Success Team members - academic advisors, success specialists, financial aid advisors and career advisors – to get the help you need when you need it.

• Here is a student training site too: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/success/student-training.php
• Info provided by: Blake A. Jones with Raider Success Hub

"The mission of the IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects by minimizing risks, ensuring that people are fully informed before they participate in research, and promoting equity in research participation.

The Texas Tech University Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB) complies with the Federalwide Assurance registration guidelines through the Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulated by 45 CFR 46 under number FWA00001568. It is also identified by IORG 0000166 and IRB 00000276 codes. Registration is current and the FWA expires on July 19, 2020.

The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) carries out administrative duties involved with the Institutional Review Board. The HRPP is supervised by Dr. Alice Young, Associate Vice President for Research Integrity, under the oversight of the Vice President for Research."

About the IRB | HRPP | Research Home | TTU

When people write "AKA" they are typically bringing to attention a better known term than the one they are using. 

For example, if I were to say "staphylococcus," most people probably do not know what that means if they are not well versed in biology or medicine. So, I could say "staphylococcus (AKA staph infection)." People are more likely to know what a staph infection is than they would the name of the bacteria that causes it.

The University Career Center's (UCC) mission is to promote the success of Texas Tech students and alumni through face-to-face and virtual methods. We serve the Red Raider community through individual appointments as well as presentations, career fairs, employer infosessions, etiquette events and our Career Closet. 

If you have any questions, we can be reached at our main office number, (806) 742-2210, or through our office email address, careercenter@ttu.edu. 

“The IACUC serves as the review body for animals used by Texas Tech University (TTU) faculty, staff, and students. TTU Policy requires that the use of all live vertebrate animals for research, instruction, demonstration, production, or maintenance purposes by TTU faculty, whether the animals are located in facilities at TTU or elsewhere, be approved by the IACUC in advance of their usage.”

Learn more about the IACUC here

"What do you go by?" means "What name do you want to be addressed by?"

For example, if someone's name is Samuel, they might "go by" Sam.

****Add content about pronouns

"What is your focus?" could mean "what is your major?" However, it generally means, "what is your focus within your major?"

For example, if you are a microbiology student, your "focus" may be virology or studying viruses.

"Means to an end" can be interpreted as the steps it takes (means) to get to a goal (end).

For example, doing your homework and studying are your means to get to the end, graduation.

"Reach out" means to contact them.

So, instead of saying, "if you need anything, please contact me at (insert email)." You could say, "if you need anything, please reach out to me at (insert email)."

Or, instead of "you should contact your family." You could say, "you should reach out to your family."

Hit has many uses.

"Hit someone up" means "contact them."
"Hit on them" means "flirt with them."
"Hit up the (destination, like "library") means you should go to that location. 
"Hit the hay" means to "go to sleep." (This one is particularly used in the southern states of the US.)

"My bad" means that you are admitting you made a mistake. This is very casual and is typically only used for smaller mistakes. It would not be appropriate to use for larger mistakes because it could be seen as disrespectful. 

For example, if you were to have dropped something and it broke, "my bad" would be appropriate before you helped clean it up. If you were to have made a big mistake that affected others, "my bad" would not be appropriate. In this instance, apologies should be issued to the people the mistake affected.

"(Somethings) are in order" means that something is required or likely in the next steps. 

For example, if someone said "apologies are in order," that means that apologies are required, or that you should apologize.

If someone said "I think a promotion is in order," that means that they believe you are on track to recieve a promotion.

"I feel like" is typically used to kindly inform someone of mistakes or wrongdoings. 

For example, instead of bluntly saying "this plan is not going to work," one might say, "I feel like we might need to think about this plan a little more."

Greeting:
In the US, people often use "what's up?" as a greeting. This basically means "what is going on with you?" However, it should be noted that this is more of a pleasantry than an actual question. 
A typical response to this question would be "not much, and you?" or "I'm doing good, and you?" 

Question:
When people use "what's up" in a non-greeting manner, they are typically asking you "what is going on here?" or "what do you need help with?" 
In this instance, you would explain what is actually going on, if you are comfortable.